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OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE ABANDONMENT OF MERCHANT SHIPS AT SEA

The objective of this study is to identify the critical aspects of the problems associated with the abandonment of merchant vessels in distress, and to suggest possible ways in which more lives may be saved. The research plan was to obtain a clear understanding of the entire abandonship process, as it is currently performed. A systematic review of this information was therefore made from published data, case histories, individual survival experiences, and interviews. The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation records were utilized as a primary source of information on the abondonment of U.S. merchant ships. An initial sample of 91 cases was screened, and a working sample of 48 was examined in detail.